This whole grain Bulgur Wheat Greek Salad is full of crunchy veggies, creamy feta and kalamata olives then dressed in a fresh lemon-dill vinaigrette. Bulgur wheat is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and was frequently on our dinner table growing up. Similar to rice, it cooks in just 15 minutes and uses
A healthy twist on the summertime classic, this protein-packed vegan potato salad is made with a creamy hummus vinaigrette, scallions and fresh herbs. Fourth of July is right around the corner and I am so pumped! Our city turns into Small Town USA every year complete with a full lineup of events
A fun twist on everyone’s favorite appetizer, this Middle Eastern seven-layer dip is made with creamy hummus, crunchy vegetables, toasted pine nuts and a drizzle of olive oil and za’atar. Confession: the minute I finished photographing this Lebanese-inspired seven layer dip I immediately proceeded to lick the plate clean. Can
A family recipe passed down for generations, Hushwee Rice is a humble Lebanese side dish made with rice and beef flavored with warm cinnamon, clarified butter and toasted pine nuts. If I had to pick my last meal, it would be a buffet of Lebanese food prepared by my Aunt Paula
Cracked freekeh is tossed in a creamy tahini vinaigrette with chickpeas, pomegranates and almonds to create a crunchy and addictive whole grain side dish or meatless main. It’s time to kick off Week 4 of the Healthy New Year 6-Week Challenge with one of my favorite ingredients of all time: whole grains!
A fun twist on the comfort food classic, your family will love these naturally gluten free Lebanese meatballs seasoned with cinnamon, all-spice and toasted pine nuts. January is half-way over, how are you feeling? Are you staying hydrated? Getting enough exercise? Beating those winter blues? Look, I’m not going to kid
A protein-packed snack or elegant appetizer, this fun twist on deviled eggs is made with creamy hummus and sprinkled with earthy za’atar. Congratulations – you made it through Week 1 of the Healthy New Year 6-Week Challenge!! How did you do? Did you discover any creative ways to stay hydrated? Dara and
Creamy horseradish sauce can be topped with crispy potato pancakes to provide the perfect contrast of flavors in every bite. Hanukkah is always a fun time of year for my family but this year is particularly special. Not only do we have a perfectly valid excuse to eat fried foods
Tossed in a creamy tahini garlic dressing and mixed with dried cherries and toasted pine nuts, Brussels sprouts have never tasted so good. Confession: I will eat just about anything smothered in tahini. If you’re not familiar, tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds. You can find it in most
An easy, one-pot meal, your entire home will fill with aromas of cinnamon, garlic and rendered butter while this Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetables practically cooks itself. One of my favorite things to do in the kitchen is to take the best recipes from my childhood and turn them into
This Lebanese chilled cucumber soup is made with tangy yogurt seasoned with fresh lemon juice, mint and garlic then finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. As you’ve probably noticed, we eat a lot of yogurt in our house every week. My kids love it, I love it
Traditional hummus gets a flavor boost from fragrant basil pesto to create this delicious twist on the popular dip. When my friend Brandy asked if I wanted to join her to celebrate my friend Rachel’s 30th Birthday it took me all of 3 seconds to say YES! With a theme
Ground turkey lightens up this traditional Middle Eastern dish without sacrificing flavor. Did you know that my family is Middle Eastern? I’m kidding. Garlic, lemon juice and olive oil runs through my veins. In fact, my Syrian heritage is the reason this blog is named The Lemon Bowl. One of
Roasted red peppers and smoked paprika are the perfect complements to making your own traditional hummus. Ready in 15 minutes. After a long winter here in Michigan, there is nothing better than finally being able to entertain outdoors. From pool parties to beach-side picnics to backyard BBQ’s, we will take
Quick and easy weeknight chicken dish full of bright flavors – perfect on rice or served in a pita, salad or dipped with hummus. Grilling season is one of my favorite times of the year but for those of us who are still looking at snow on the grass, I
Fresh tabbouleh flavors get an added boost of protein from chickpeas, feta cheese and whole wheat pasta to make this a delicious side dish or entree salad. Happy Monday Everyone! Today is the big day – I am in Los Angeles to attend the Live Finale of Biggest Loser Season
Apple cider and olive oil are used to keep lean chicken breasts moist while roasting the garlic cloves in their skin have them become caramelized and sweet. As you’ve probably heard by now, cinnamon is an excellent source of antioxidants. In my house, we literally cook with it morning, noon and
The rich, nutty texture of whole wheat pearl couscous is the perfect match for toasted pine nuts, crunch cucumbers, and salty feta. Life is too short to eat boring salads. Is a garden salad with grilled chicken healthy? Of course. Does it get old after a few days? You betcha’!
Quinoa, pronounced “keen-wah”, is one of those super foods that you hear and read about all the time but just might not know what to do with it. This ancient grain, native to South America, was once called “the gold of the Incas” for it’s value in increasing stamina for
One of my favorite aspects of the holiday season is that it inspires families to get together for the sole purpose of cooking together. My friend Kristin in Boston will often gather with her mother and aunts to bake perogies, a Polish specialty. My friend Megan’s family has an annual tradition
Clarified Butter is a clear, pure form of butter with a nutty and rich taste that simply cannot be duplicated. Better known as Ghee. Every Christmas, my Aunt Paula gives the gift of rendered butter. Perhaps you’ve heard of clarified butter or ghee but in my family, we call it
When it comes to summer grilling, few things can beat the deliciousness of tender and juicy grilled chicken. But why settle for ordinary when you can elevate your dish with a flavorful twist? We’ll explore how to prepare mouthwatering grilled chicken paired perfectly with a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce. Get
